People

Freedom Seeker

Cuba Vassall

As she navigated slavery and freedom in Massachusetts, Cuba Vassall advocated for her own and her family’s interests.

Abolitionist

Darby Vassall

Born enslaved in this house, Darby Vassall seized his freedom during the American Revolution and joined the Black Bostonian community.

General

George Washington

In this house, General George Washington shaped the new Continental Army and grew as a leader, commander, and person.

Military Family

Generals and Staff

Washington relied on his council of war, comprised of the senior-ranking general officers, and a staff of secretaries and aides de camp.

Poet

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

The beloved American poet made Cambridge his home for more than 45 years.

Wife & Mother

Fanny Longfellow

Henry Longfellow's wife was his domestic and literary partner and an astute observer of antebellum American society.

Reverend & Biographer

Samuel Longfellow

Henry Longfellow's youngest brother was a Unitarian minister and one of Longfellow's first biographers.

Traveler

Charles Appleton Longfellow

The Longfellows' eldest child served in the Civil War and traveled the world, always seeking adventure.

Artist

Ernest W. Longfellow

The Longfellows' second son trained as an artist and served as a steward of his father's literary legacy.

Philanthropist

Alice Mary Longfellow

The Longfellow's eldest daughter used her status in support of women's education and historic preservation.

Matriarch

Edith Longfellow Dana

The Longfellows' middle daughter kept her family connected throughout her life.

Pillar of the Community

Anne Allegra Longfellow Thorp

The Longfellows' youngest daughter was active in movements for the public good in Cambridge and beyond.

Scholar & Preservationist

Harry Dana

The namesake grandson of the poet lived in the family home and preserved Longfellow's papers and legacy.

Artist

Mary King Longfellow

Henry Longfellow's niece studied painting and exhibited her watercolors in Portland, Maine, Boston, Chicago, and New York.

Architect

Alexander Wadsworth Longfellow Jr.

Henry Longfellow's nephew was an American Romanesque and "shingle style" architect and a founder of the Boston Society of Arts and Crafts.

Senator

Charles Sumner

Henry Longfellow's close friend Charles Sumner served as a leading abolitionist in the US Senate and a fierce advocate for civil rights.

Poet

James Russell Lowell

Henry Longfellow's neighbor and fellow poet became his successor at Harvard College.

Free Soiler

Richard Henry Dana Jr.

Dana spent his legal career advocating for the rights of sailors and the abolition of slavery.